Air Supply guitarist praises ‘TNT’ champ

A lot of Filipinos were impressed with Noven Belleza’s rendition of Air Supply hits at the grand finals of “It’s Showtime’s” reality-singing competition “Tawag Ng Tanghalan.”

Noven Belleza, (inset) Air Supply guitarist Graham Russell

Now, count Air Supply guitarist-singer-composer Graham Russell himself as among those who found the farmer’s version of their hits “Now And Forever” and “The One That You Love” more than worthy of the grand prize.

In an e-mail sent to local concert organizer Danee Samonte published on ABS-CBN News, Russell wrote: “I just saw the singing contest on YouTube and the guy that won. He was spectacular. Please pass on my congratulations to him if you would.”

In a separate interview on “Tonight With Boy Abunda,” Belleza revealed his girlfriend inspired him to win the competition.